Introduction

Tones and Tints is a self indulgence, written purely in order to take time to think, reflect and record impressions about what ever topic has attracted my attention.

In this complex and diverse world we live an avalanche of interesting material which competes for our attention. Tones and Tints is a bi-product of a process of me selecting a little bit of what passes in front of me and pausing to focus on it for a moment. I am one of those people for whom, in the process of writing, an idea reveals itself. In taking time to slow down, think and write I make sense of, and discover more about what I have encountered.

Drawing leads me to notice more about my world and understand a little better. When I draw I have to focus and observe to understand the structure of the object I have chosen to draw. I keep a visual journal in response to what I see. For me drawing is not about a finished piece of Art with a capital A, but an activity that leaves a trace that we call a drawing. Drawing mundane everyday objects can result in seeing the ordinary things in an extraordinary light.

Travel stirs curiosity, is a tonic for creativity, invites change, and makes me question my assumptions. By stepping out a daily routine, travel gives me quite literally, a different angle and viewpoint to see the world. Travel exposes me to other cultures and peoples at a time when I am taking a break from my normal everyday routine. This means I have time to think about the experience, and be challenged by the great complex diversity the world can offer us.

If someone insisted on a list of topics I anticipate covering on Tones and Tints I would say it’s my personal take on drawing, writing, reading and when I have the opportunity travelling, but that would be a little too bare a description.